Indigenous Affairs Native nations lead salmon restoration efforts in Columbia Basin The number of returning adult salmon and steelhead has doubled since the 1990s, but is still only halfway to the NWPCC’s goal of 5 million. by Nika Bartoo-Smith Underscore + ICT / February 10, 2025
Indigenous Affairs Cowlitz Tribe youth help lead this year’s First Salmon Ceremony “It’s what we do to thank the salmon for what they give,” said Lydia Hodges, 15, part of the new generation carrying on the sacred ritual. by Nika Bartoo-Smith Underscore + ICT / June 24, 2024
Indigenous Affairs Yakama Nation’s new public safety campus gives justice room to grow The tribal court system, which had occupied a cluster of trailers since the ’50s, plans to add services like a mental health or a veterans court. by Nika Bartoo-Smith Underscore News and ICT / January 9, 2024
Equity Snoqualmie Tribe starts land protection sales tax at Salish Lodge The 2% tax will preserve ancestral sites such as Snoqualmie Falls, and could be a model for other Indigenous nations. by Nika Bartoo-Smith Underscore/ICT / July 17, 2023
News The Washington mental health lifeline made for and by Native people The Native and Strong Lifeline provides connection and culturally specific care to callers in crisis. by Nika Bartoo-Smith Indian Country Today and Underscore News / June 19, 2023
Culture Seattle's new Sunday Assembly Church is no Mars Hill Sanderson Jones and Pippa Evans, comedians and founders of Sunday Assembly, the Atheist Church by Valerie Tarico / October 28, 2014
Culture Why Mars Hill was the perfect incubator for questionable naturopathy Guest Opinion: The mentality of Seattle's mega-church propelled one of its most prominent pastors into questionable medical territory, then cast him aside. by Valerie Tarico / February 26, 2014
Culture What World War Z and Tacoma have in common A new urban ethic is remaking the Northwest. by Valerie Tarico / November 24, 2013
Culture Spread of Catholic health care raises barriers to care choices Religiously affiliated hospitals in Washington state servce much of the population. Click to enlarge by Valerie Tarico / April 10, 2013
Culture Can legal weed save pizza and ice cream parlors? With the invention of period-free contraceptives, junk food is on a slippery slope. Will the proliferation of legal marijuana save the day? by Valerie Tarico / December 20, 2012